Diagnostic Imaging Workup Research Articles

CT evaluation of the renal donor and recipient.

Proper pre- and post-transplant diagnostic imaging work-up is fundamental in ensuring a successful outcome for renal transplantation. Despite exposure to ionizing radiation, CT has high spatial resolution and is a widely available and fast imaging technique. CT is performed routinely to delineate the anatomy of the kidney, relevant vasculature, and urinary collecting system in the living donor, to assess the iliac vessels in potential recipients prior to surgery, and to assess early and late-term post-transplant complications. The purpose of this article is to outline the optimal CT protocol and the main reportable findings for both the donor and the recipient diagnostic imaging work-up as well as to point out the main issues regarding ionizing radiation exposure and contrast medium injection in these subjects.

Abstract P4-10-22: Quality indicators in breast cancer care: Experience of a breast cancer multidisciplinary unit at Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición. Dr Salvador Zubirán, (INCMNSZ) Mexico City

Abstract Background: In 2012, GLOBOCAN reported that the incidence of BC among Mexican women was 35.4 per 100.000 habitants According to some published studies, the five-year overall survival among Mexican breast cancer patients (BCP) treated at governmental facilities is about 75-80%. As a result of an increased access to oncology treatments, multidisciplinary breast cancer units (MBCU) have been developed all over the country aiming to improve outcomes in BCP, however, to date, information regarding quality of care measured by international criteria is lacking. In 2011 our institution was a pioneer in establishing MBCU The aim of the present study was to describe quality indicators in breast cancer care at our MBCU Patients and methods: This is a propective study including 357 breast cancer patients Jan 2011 to Dec 2016. 111 variables were recorded for each patient. Based on the 17 items to evaluate quality in BCP of 2008 European Society of Breast Cancer Specialist (EUSOMA), the EUSOMA-based evaluated criteria was: 1) Completeness of clinical and imaging diagnostic work-up, 2) Multidisciplinary discussion, 3) Waiting times, 4) Appropriate surgical approach (breast conservative surgery in IBC ≤ 3 cm), and 5)Post-operative radiotherapy. The analysis was performed using SPSS software v.21. Results: Three hundred and fifty-five patients were included (99.4% women). The median age was 57 years (P25-75 49-66 years). Stages were classified as: cTNM stage I (32.2%), stage II (34.7%), stage III (10.6%), and stage IV (18.2%). The results of the EUSOMA-based criteria were: 1) 95% of the cohort completed clinical and imaging diagnostic work-up (EUSOMA minimum standard 90%, target 95%, LoE III); 2) a multidisciplinary discussion at the time of diagnosis was established in 97% of BCP (EUSOMA minimum standard 90%, target 99%, LoE IV); 3) the median waiting time from histological diagnosis to primary treatment was 3.8 weeks (median time for surgery and systemic treatment was 4.5 and 1.4 weeks, respectively) (EUSOMA cut point 6 weeks, minimum standard 75%, target 90%, LoE IV); 4) surgical treatment was performed as first-line therapy in 196 BCP (127 (64.6%) conservative surgery and 69 (35.4%) mastectomy) (EUSOMA conservative surgery minimum standard 70%, target 80%, LoE I) 5) 95% of BCP with an indication for adjuvant radiotherapy had a median waiting time of 1.5 weeks (EUSOMA minimum standard 90%, target 95%, LoE I) Conclusion: According to these results, our MBCU meets the minimum standards of quality in 5 EUSOMA indicators. However, it is important to highlight that our MBCU is small,analyzing 100 new patients/year but comprising with enough infrastructure and staff for this demand; for this reason, real data representing other Mexican or Latin American MBCUs might not be accurate. Furthermore, to increase the quality of breast cancer care, all EUSOMA objectives should be measured (always adapting to the evaluated a breast cancer population) and only in this way areas of opportunity for improvement could be identified. The present study highlights the need to carry out specific research in breast cancer care qualitiy in low and middle income countries. Citation Format: Amengol-Alonso A, Chávarri-Guerra Y, Córtes-González R, Medina-Franco H, Espinoza de los Monteros A, Gamboa-Domínguez A, Candanedo-González F, Flores-Balcazar C, Ramos R, Fuentes-Corona R, Chapa-Ibarguengoitia M, Balboa-González P, Bazúa-Gerez A, León-Rodríguez E. Quality indicators in breast cancer care: Experience of a breast cancer multidisciplinary unit at Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición. Dr Salvador Zubirán, (INCMNSZ) Mexico City [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-22.

Endoscopic Transforaminal and Lateral Recess Decompression After Previous Spinal Surgery.

Leg pain and back pain after lumbar laminectomy and spinal decompression fusion surgery are common and often related to persistent lumbar foraminal or lateral recess stenosis. Although persistent symptoms often stem from incomplete decompression during the primary index surgery, recurrent symptoms may also be the result of intervertebral cage subsidence due to loss of intervertebral and neuroforaminal height. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using the outpatient transforaminal decompression procedure as an alternative to inpatient open procedure in revision decompression surgery, with the intent of minimizing the incidence of perioperative and postoperative surgical complications while reducing both direct and indirect costs of surgical treatment, shortening time to patient postoperative narcotic independence, and shortening time of patient return to daily activities. A total of 48 patients with conclusive diagnostic imaging and interventional workup underwent endoscopic transforaminal and lateral recess decompression for both persistent or recurrent leg and/or low back pain following previous lumbar laminectomy (22 patients) or decompression fusion surgery (26 patients). In addition to radiographic studies, patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, and clinical outcomes were evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified Macnab criteria. At final follow-up, patients with single- and 2-level prior surgeries reported an average ODI reduction following their secondary surgery of 44.6%, with an average final score of 14.8. Less favorable ODI score reductions following secondary surgery (23.8%) were reported by patients who had more than one or a complex prior multilevel surgery. According to the modified Macnab criteria, "excellent" and "good" results were obtained with the secondary surgery in 79.1% (38 of 48) of patients with no more than a single 1- or 2-level prior lumbar surgery. The mean VAS score decreased from 7.7 ± 1.8 preoperatively to 2.3 ± 1.1 at final follow-up (P < .01). Fair and poor results with the secondary surgery were seen in 20.9% (10 of 48) of patients with several prior surgeries or complex multilevel previous lumbar surgeries. The level distribution for secondary surgery was as follows: L4-5 segment (26 levels; 54.1%), L5-S1 (14 levels; 29.2%), L3-4 (7 levels; 14.6%), and the L2-3 level (1 level; 2.1%). Postoperative complications were limited to irritation of the dorsal root ganglion, which occurred in 25% (12 of 48) of patients. There were no wound infections, nerve root injuries, foot drop, or admissions to a hospital for further postoperative care. All patients with "excellent" and "good" outcomes measured by modified Macnab criteria, who were working before and after the primary and secondary surgeries (27 of 38), reported earlier return to work after the endoscopic outpatient surgery (2.6 ± 0.8 weeks) than with the prior inpatient open spinal surgery (8.1 ± 4.5 weeks). Based on the 2012 Medicare fee schedule for professional fees, direct costs were 40.6% and indirect costs were 37.1% lower with the secondary endoscopic surgery compared with primary open surgery. Transforaminal decompression is an effective alternative to open revision lumbar spinal surgery to treat symptomatic spinal stenosis after previous lumbar surgery in patients with persistent or recurrent leg and low back pain. It can be safely done in an outpatient setting, while realizing savings in direct and indirect costs.

Clinical Value of Mammography in the Evaluation of Palpable Breast Lumps in Women 30 Years Old and Older.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether mammography adds clinical value in the diagnostic imaging workup of women 30 years old and older who present with palpable breast lumps. We retrospectively identified the records of all women 30 years old and older who underwent imaging evaluation with mammography and ultrasound for a palpable lump between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. Imaging reports were reviewed for findings related to the lump and for incidental nonpalpable findings. Benign versus malignant outcomes were determined by pathologic analysis or 24-month imaging or clinical follow-up. The contribution of mammography to final diagnosis was assessed on the basis of objective criteria to determine the clinical impact of mammographic findings. The study cohort included 861 patients presenting with 935 palpable lumps. Imaging correlates were reported for 568 of 935 (60.7%) lumps, and imaging findings were negative in 367 of 935 (39.3%). Of the 935 palpable lumps, 858 (91.8%) were benign and 77 (8.2%) were malignant. Mammography added clinical value in the evaluation of 27 of 77 (35.0%) malignant lumps by better delineating extent of disease and in the evaluation of 26 of 858 benign lumps (3.0%) by confirming benignity. Fifty-two of 861 (6.0%) patients had incidental findings that led to a recommendation for biopsy. Twenty-nine of the 52 findings were originally seen with mammography and 23 with ultrasound. Mammography also depicted seven incidental malignancies in nonpalpable areas, and ultrasound depicted one incidental malignancy. Adjunct mammography is warranted for evaluation of palpable breast lumps in women 30 years old and older because of the value added to clinical management. In all age cohorts, mammography contributed to delineation of disease extent, detection of incidental malignancies, and confirmation of benign diagnoses.

Preoperative clinical pathway of breast cancer patients: determinants of compliance with EUSOMA quality indicators

Background:The European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA) has defined quality indicators for breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to describe the preoperative clinical pathway of breast cancer patients and evaluate the determinants of compliance with EUSOMA quality indicators in the Optisoins01 cohort.Methods:Optisoins01 is a prospective, multicentric study. Data from operable BC patients were collected, including results from before surgery to 1 year follow-up. Seven preoperative EUSOMA quality indicators were compared with the clinical pathways Optisoins01.Results:Six hundred and four patients were included. European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists targets were reached for indicator 1 (completeness of clinical and imaging diagnostic work-up), 3 (preoperative definitive diagnosis) and 5 (waiting time). For indicator 8 (multidisciplinary discussion), the minimum standard of 90% of the patients was reached only in general hospitals and comprehensive cancer centres. Having more than 1 medical examination within the centre was associated with an increased waiting time for surgery, whereas it was reduced by having an outpatient breast biopsy. The comprehensive cancer centre type was the only parameter associated with the other quality indicators.Conclusions:European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists quality indicators are a useful tool to evaluate care organisations. This study highlights the need for a standardised and coordinated preoperative clinical pathway.

Diagnostic work-up in obstructive and inflammatory salivary gland disorders.

SUMMARYInflammatory and obstructive disorders of the salivary glands are caused by very different pathological conditions affecting the gland tissue and/or the excretory system. The clinical setting is essential to address the appropriate diagnostic imaging work-up. According to history and physical examination, four main clinical scenarios can be recognised: (1) acute generalised swelling of major salivary glands; (2) acute swelling of a single major salivary gland; (3) chronic generalised swelling of major salivary glands, associated or not with "dry mouth"; (4) chronic or prolonged swelling of a single major salivary gland. The algorithm for imaging salivary glands depends on the scenario with which the patient presents to the clinician. Imaging is essential to confirm clinical diagnosis, define the extent of the disease and identify complications. Imaging techniques include ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) with MR sialography.

Mastalgia: Imaging Work-up Appropriateness

Radiologists frequently image women with the sole complaint of mastalgia (breast pain). We hypothesized that whereas the vast majority of women ultimately have no imaging explanation for their breast pain, a small percentage of patients may have a correlative imaging finding and confirm the current American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria recommendations. In this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant, institutional review board-approved retrospective review, we evaluated 236 women between the ages of 18 and 83 years who presented to our Breast Care Center in 2013 with the sole complaint of breast pain or tenderness. Patients' clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging work-up, and clinical and radiographic follow-up were documented. Outcomes of the diagnostic work-up were compared with the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria recommendations. Of the 236 patients, 10 women had cyclical breast pain, 116 had noncyclical, nonfocal breast pain, and 110 had noncyclical, focal breast pain. No imaging correlates were discovered to explain the etiology of cyclical pain, supporting the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria rating values. A definitive imaging correlate for breast pain was identified in seven women (3%) with noncyclical, focal pain, one of which was a cancer diagnosis (0.4%), which correlates with the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria ratings. No imaging correlates were found in women with noncyclical, nonfocal pain, supporting the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria ratings. There was no radiological imaging finding to explain the etiology of mastalgia in most women. Diagnostic imaging may be an appropriate diagnostic evaluation in patients with noncyclical, focal breast pain, supporting the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria recommendations.

An Unusual Case of Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia in a 53-Year-Old Woman With Low Back Pain

ObjectiveThe purpose of this case report is to describe the features of an unusual presentation of fibrous dysplasia. Clinical FeaturesA 53-year-old woman had low back pain and numbness in the anterior upper left thigh that started 3 years earlier after a fall. She experienced pain during active lumbar flexion and extension range of motion. Radiographic examination demonstrated an oval geographic osteolytic lesion in the left ilium and abnormal trabecular architecture with variable-sized osteolytic lesions and both ill-defined and well-defined borders along the sacroiliac joint margin. Intervention and OutcomeBecause of the aggressive osteolytic appearance, magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis with gadolinium contrast was obtained for additional characterization of the lesions. There were 3 additional mixed signal lesions located within the left femoral neck and extending to the greater trochanter that enhanced with contrast. Because of the suspicion of malignancy, needle biopsy was performed. The pathologic findings in combination with the radiographic appearance confirmed the diagnosis of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. ConclusionThis case demonstrated a rare aggressive appearance of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia located in the left innominate and the left proximal femur that prompted a diagnostic imaging workup and biopsy for suspected skeletal malignancy. These lesions may require careful evaluation by an experienced team of physicians, radiologists, and pathologists to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Breast cancer: Determining the genetic profile from ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy specimens obtained during diagnostic workups

ObjectivesTo evaluate the possibility of determining the genetic profile of primary malignant tumors of the breast from specimens obtained by ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsies during the diagnostic imaging workup. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective study in 13 consecutive patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer by B-mode ultrasound-guided 12 G core needle biopsy. After clinical indication, the pathologist decided whether the paraffin block specimens seemed suitable (on the basis of tumor size, validity of the sample, and percentage of tumor cells) before sending them for genetic analysis with the MammaPrint® platform. ResultsThe size of the tumors on ultrasound ranged from 0.6cm to 5cm. In 11 patients the preserved specimen was considered valid and suitable for use in determining the genetic profile. In 1 patient (with a 1cm tumor) the pathologist decided that it was necessary to repeat the core biopsy to obtain additional samples. In 1 patient (with a 5cm tumor) the specimen was not considered valid by the genetic laboratory. The percentage of tumor cells in the samples ranged from 60% to 70%. In 11/13 cases (84.62%) it was possible to do the genetic analysis on the previously diagnosed samples. ConclusionIn most cases, regardless of tumor size, it is possible to obtain the genetic profile from tissue specimens obtained with ultrasound-guided 12 G core biopsy preserved in paraffin blocks.

Cáncer de mama: determinación del perfil genético a partir de la biopsia percutánea ecoguiada diagnóstica

ObjectivesTo evaluate the possibility of determining the genetic profile of primary malignant tumors of the breast from specimens obtained by ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsies during the diagnostic imaging workup. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective study in 13 consecutive patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer by B-mode ultrasound-guided 12 G core needle biopsy. After clinical indication, the pathologist decided whether the paraffin block specimens seemed suitable (on the basis of tumor size, validity of the sample, and percentage of tumor cells) before sending them for genetic analysis with the MammaPrint® platform. ResultsThe size of the tumors on ultrasound ranged from 0.6cm to 5cm. In 11 patients the preserved specimen was considered valid and suitable for use in determining the genetic profile. In 1 patient (with a 1cm tumor) the pathologist decided that it was necessary to repeat the core biopsy to obtain additional samples. In 1 patient (with a 5cm tumor) the specimen was not considered valid by the genetic laboratory. The percentage of tumor cells in the samples ranged from 60% to 70%. In 11/13 cases (84.62%) it was possible to do the genetic analysis on the previously diagnosed samples. ConclusionIn most cases, regardless of tumor size, it is possible to obtain the genetic profile from tissue specimens obtained with ultrasound-guided 12 G core biopsy preserved in paraffin blocks.

Is hepato-imino diacetic acid scan a better imaging modality than abdominal ultrasound for diagnosing acute cholecystitis?

BackgroundThe role of hepato-imino diacetic acid scan (HIDA) in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis remains controversial when compared with the more commonly used abdominal ultrasound (AUS). MethodsThe diagnostic imaging workup of 1,217 patients who presented to the emergency department at a single hospital with acute abdominal pain and suspicion of acute cholecystitis was reviewed to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of AUS and HIDA. ResultsIn patients undergoing both imaging modalities, HIDA had significantly higher sensitivity (90.7% vs 64.0%, P < .001) and specificity (71.4% vs 58.4%, P = .005) than AUS for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Additionally, PPV and NPV of HIDA (56.2% and 95.0%, respectively) were higher than PPV and NPV of AUS (38.4% and 80.0%, respectively) when both imaging modalities were used for the same patient. ConclusionIn adults with acute abdominal pain, HIDA significantly increases the accuracy of the correct diagnosis.

Computed tomography in multiple trauma patients: technical aspects, work flow, and dose reduction

Patients with severe, life-threatening trauma require a fast and accurate clinical and imaging diagnostic workup during the first phase of trauma management. Early whole-body computed tomography has clearly been proven to be the current standard of care of these patients. A similar imaging quality can be achieved in the multiple trauma setting compared with routine imaging especially using rapid, latest generation computed tomography (CT) scanners. This article encompasses a detailed view on the use of CT in patients with life-threatening trauma. A special focus is placed on radiological procedures in trauma units and on the methods for CT workup in routine cases and in challenging situations. Another focus discusses the potential of dose reduction of CT scans in multiple trauma as well as the examination of children with severe trauma. Various studies have demonstrated that early whole-body CT positively correlates with low morbidity and mortality and is clearly superior to the use of other imaging modalities. Optimal trauma unit management means a close cooperation between trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists and radiologists, whereby the radiologist is responsible for a rapid and accurate radiological workup and the rapid communication of imaging findings. However, even in the trauma setting, aspects of patient radiation doses should be kept in mind.

A systematic approach to the magnetic resonance imaging-based differential diagnosis of congenital Müllerian duct anomalies and their mimics.

Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) represent a wide spectrum of developmental abnormalities related to various gynecologic and obstetric complications, including primary amenorrhea, infertility, and endometriosis. The use of diverse imaging modalities, in conjunction with clinical information, provide important clues to the diagnosis of MDAs. Diagnostic imaging work-up for MDAs often begins with hysterosalpingography (HSG) and/or ultrasonography (US). Although HSG and/or US may suffice to detect the presence of a uterine abnormality, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is generally needed to classify the abnormality into a specific MDA category. MR imaging has been gaining in popularity for use in evaluating MDAs, by virtue of its noninvasiveness, lack of ionizing radiation, and capability for multiplanar imaging and soft tissue characterization. Abnormalities in the external uterine fundal contour are readily recognized with MR imaging, allowing for clear differentiation between a fusion anomaly, such as a uterus didelphys or a bicornuate uterus, and a resorption anomaly, such as a septate uterus. Furthermore, MR imaging enables clear depiction of a rudimentary uterine horn in a unicornuate uterus. Accurate differential diagnosis of MDAs on the basis of their characteristic MR imaging findings is crucial, because the rates of gynecologic and obstetric complications vary considerably among MDAs. The diagnostic accuracy may be enhanced by adopting a systematic approach to MR imaging-based differential diagnosis.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria Acute Hip Pain—Suspected Fracture

Substantial cost, morbidity, and mortality are associated with acute proximal femoral fracture and may be reduced through an optimized diagnostic imaging workup. Radiography represents the primary diagnostic test of choice for the evaluation of acute hip pain. In middle aged and elderly patients with negative radiographs, the evidence indicates MRI to be the next diagnostic imaging study to exclude a proximal femoral fracture. CT, because of its relative decreased sensitivity, is only indicated in patients with MRI contraindications. Bone densitometry (DXA) should be obtained in patients with fragility fractures. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformations, and Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Diagnosis and Treatment

Despite the fact that intracranial aneurysms and vascular malformations account for a small overall percentage of hemorrhagic strokes, their rupture is potentially devastating and often fatal. Imaging plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and treatment planning of these lesions. This article provides a review of the imaging findings of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF). For the sake of length, we have not discussed other cerebral vascular malformations such as cavernous malformations or capillary telangiectasias. Basic pathologic and clinical concepts for each lesion have been discussed, with a focus toward the diagnostic imagingworkup. We also briefly discuss treatment options for these lesions.

Diagnostic imaging work-up for disease relapse after radical treatment for prostate cancer: How to differentiate local from systemic disease? The urologist point of view

About 40% of all patients undergoing radical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical relapse (BCR) during lifetime but only 10–20% of them will show clinically detectable recurrences. Prostatic bed, pelvic or retroperitoneal lymph nodes (LN) and bones (especially the spine) are the sites where we must focus our attention in the early phase of PSA relapse. Time to PSA relapse, PSA kinetics, pathological Gleason score and pathological stage are the main factors related to the likelihood of local vs. distant relapse. Before an extensive diagnostic work-up in patients with BCR, is mandatory to understand if there is a therapeutic consequence or not for the patient. Current imaging techniques have some potential but many limits are yet encountered in the diagnosis of disease relapse. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have low accuracy in the detection of the recurrence. Today, Choline PET/CT may visualize the site of recurrence earlier, with better accuracy than conventional imaging, in a single step and even in the presence of low PSA level. In recent years, the new radiotracer 18F-FACBC has been proposed as a possible alternative radiopharmaceutical to detect PCa relapse. From a clinical point of view, first clinical studies showed very promising and reproducible results with an improvement in sensitivity is about 20–25% with respect to Choline PET/CT, rendering the FACBC the possible radiotracer of the future for PCa. In conclusion, many improvements have been recently achieved in imaging techniques for PCa restaging, essentially in Nuclear Medicine and MRI, but negative results remain in many cases. Low sensitivity, costs, availability of technologies and confirmation of the results remain the major limitations in most cases.

Diagnostic imaging work-up for disease relapse after radical treatment for prostate cancer: How to differentiate local from systemic disease? The urologist point of view

About 40% of all patients undergoing radical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical relapse (BCR) during lifetime but only 10-20% of them will show clinically detectable recurrences. Prostatic bed, pelvic or retroperitoneal lymph nodes (LN) and bones (especially the spine) are the sites where we must focus our attention in the early phase of PSA relapse. Time to PSA relapse, PSA kinetics, pathological Gleason score and pathological stage are the main factors related to the likelihood of local vs. distant relapse. Before an extensive diagnostic work-up in patients with BCR, is mandatory to understand if there is a therapeutic consequence or not for the patient. Current imaging techniques have some potential but many limits are yet encountered in the diagnosis of disease relapse. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have low accuracy in the detection of the recurrence. Today, Choline PET/CT may visualize the site of recurrence earlier, with better accuracy than conventional imaging, in a single step and even in the presence of low PSA level. In recent years, the new radiotracer (18)F-FACBC has been proposed as a possible alternative radiopharmaceutical to detect PCa relapse. From a clinical point of view, first clinical studies showed very promising and reproducible results with an improvement in sensitivity is about 20-25% with respect to Choline PET/CT, rendering the FACBC the possible radiotracer of the future for PCa. In conclusion, many improvements have been recently achieved in imaging techniques for PCa restaging, essentially in Nuclear Medicine and MRI, but negative results remain in many cases. Low sensitivity, costs, availability of technologies and confirmation of the results remain the major limitations in most cases.

Improving Breast Diagnostic Services with a Rapid Access Diagnostic and Support (RADS) Program

The diagnostic phase of care is an anxiety-provoking and stressful experience for the potential breast cancer patient. A multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists embarked on a new initiative to pilot a Rapid Diagnosis and Support (RADS) Clinic to coordinate the diagnostic workup and nursing support for patients with a high probability of breast cancer. Consecutive patients with an initial diagnostic imaging classified as BI-RADS 5 were invited to participate in this 1-year prospective study. Coordination of diagnostic imaging workup and nursing support were provided by a nurse navigator. Wait times were evaluated at several intervals of care. Satisfaction surveys were given to study participants and compared to scores from patients who did not go through RADS clinic. A total of 211 patients participated in the RADS clinic. Biopsy wait times improved from a mean of 7 to 3 days (p < 0.001), pathology from 3.9 to 3.3 days (p < 0.001), surgical consultation from 16.1 to 5.9 days (p < 0.001), and operative wait times from 31.5 to 24.1 days (p = 0.042). There was a 95.3 % satisfaction rate with the RADS clinic with significantly improvement in patients' sense of an understanding of the treatment plan (p = 0.031), timeliness of tests (p = 0.045), and timeliness of results (p = 0.0419). The RADS clinic significantly improved diagnostic wait times and satisfaction scores for patients with a high probability of diagnosis of breast cancer and can serve as an innovative service delivery model for other breast care centers.

Non-invasive characterization of intracranial tumors by magnetic resonance elastography

Presurgical, non-invasive methods of differentiating brain tumors have remained unsatisfactory even for specialized academic hospitals. Despite major advances in clinical and neuroradiological diagnostic techniques, the majority of neurooncology patients still need to undergo a brain biopsy for diagnosis. Recent single cell experiments suggested that biomechanical cell properties might be very sensitive in detecting cellular malignancy. Accordingly, we investigated magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) as an investigative tool for the clinical routine diagnostic work-up of intracranial neoplasm. In order to obtain sufficient spatial resolution for the biomechanical characterization of intracranial tumors, we modified a recently introduced least-squares solution of the stationary wave equation, facilitating stable solutions of the magnitude |G*| and the phase angle φ of the complex shear modulus G*. MRE was added to a routine diagnostic or presurgical neuroradiological magnetic resonance imaging work-up in 16 prospective patients and it was well tolerated in all cases. Our preliminary tumor MRE data revealed alterations in viscoelastic constants, e.g. a loss of stiffness in malignancies compared to healthy reference tissue, or benign variants. Based on larger studies on selected tumor entities to establish threshold and reference values for future diagnostic purposes, MRE may thus provide a predictive marker for tumor malignancy and thereby contribute to an early non-invasive clinical assessment of suspicious cerebral lesions.

Computed Tomography Angiography in Acute Gastrointestinal and Intra-abdominal Bleeding in Children: Preliminary Experience

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) and intra-abdominal bleeding from different etiologies is a medical emergency with a significant morbidity and mortality. Fast detection and localization of the bleeding site are essential for effective hemostatic therapy [1]. In children with a GI bleed, it is important to assess the hemodynamic status and to establish the site of bleeding and a differential diagnosis according to the presentation and the age of the patient [2]. In trauma, a prompt diagnosis of a bleeding site can improve the efficacy of patient management [3]. Rupture and bleeding are a known presentation of solid tumours, including hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma [4]. The most frequent causes of GI and intra-abdominal bleeding in children are shown in Table 1. The initial approach to a patient with GI bleed is endoscopy, which can be diagnostic and therapeutic. If it fails, then catheter angiography is considered. With trauma or tumoural bleeding, angiography is considered according to the diagnostic imaging workup and clinical picture. Pediatric angiography has recognized complications, which nowadays are less frequent due to the improvement in the equipment and the use of ultrasound (US) for vascular access [5]. In taking this into consideration, it is important to adequately select the group of patients that will benefit from a conventional catheter angiography in this particular clinical setting. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has an emerging role in the diagnosis of acute GI bleed in adults. Its